| Matthew Stevens | |
| Alias: | Matt Stevens |
| Birth Date: | January 8, 1982 |
| Origin: | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Instrument: | Guitar |
| Genre: | Jazz |
| Years Active: | –present |
Matthew Stevens (born 1982) is a Canadian jazz guitarist and composer.
Stevens was born on 8 January 1982 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and studied piano and guitar at a young age. Since graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2004, Stevens has established himself in the contemporary jazz scene performing and recording with numerous artists including Christian Scott,[1] Terri Lyne Carrington,[2] and Esperanza Spalding.[3]
Regarded to be one of the "most exciting up-and-coming jazz guitarists" in his generation, Stevens was placed in the Rising Star Guitar Category of the 63rd Annual DownBeat Critics Poll.[4] His performances have been esteemed by numerous publications including Down Beat,[5] NPR,[6] Jazz Times,[7] Billboard,[8] and The New York Times.[9]
His debut album as a leader, Woodwork, received stellar reviews from critics including Down Beat,[10] All About Jazz,[11] and the Ottawa Citizen.[12] LA Weekly describes the album as "an amalgamation of modern jazz and neo-fusion elements which showcase ... sonic versatility and savvy producing chops".[13]
Stevens has toured extensively in the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, South Africa, and South America. He is also a member of the adjunct faculty at the New School and has taught workshops at the Maryland Summer Jazz Workshop, USC, and Berklee College of Music.[14]
Stevens currently resides in New York City, New York.
DownBeat magazine: The 63rd Annual DownBeat Critics Poll / Rising Star Guitar Category
DownBeat magazine: “25 for the Future”[15]
| Year | Artist | Album | Label | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Christian Scott | Rewind That | Concord | |
| 2007 | Christian Scott | Anthem | Concord | |
| 2008 | Christian Scott | Live at Newport | Concord | |
| 2009 | Walter Smith III & Mark Small | Bronze | Fresh Sound | |
| 2010 | Jacky Terrasson | Push | Concord | |
| 2010 | Christian Scott | Yesterday You Said Tomorrow | Concord | |
| 2011 | Ben Williams | State of Art | Concord | |
| 2011 | Sean Jones | No Need for Words | Mack Avenue | |
| 2012 | ERIMAJ | Conflict of a Man | Don't Cry | |
| 2012 | Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah | Christian aTunde Adjuah | Concord | |
| 2013 | NEXT Collective | Cover Art | Concord | |
| 2013 | Chris Turner | Lovelife Is a Challenge | Love Child | |
| 2013 | Chet Doxas | Dive | Addo | |
| 2013 | Leron Thomas | Whatever | Independent | |
| 2014 | Harvey Mason | Chameleon | Concord | |
| 2014 | Walter Smith III | Still Casual | Independent | |
| 2015 | Justin Kauflin | Dedication | Qwest | |
| 2015 | Michael Oien | And Now | Fresh Sound | |
| 2015 | Ben Williams | Coming of Age | Concord Jazz | |
| 2015 | Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah | Stretch Music | Ropeadope | |
| 2016 | Esperanza Spalding | Emily's D+Evolution | Concord | |
| 2017 | Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah | The Emancipation Procrastination | Ropeadope | |
| 2017 | Esperanza Spalding | Exposure | Concord | |
| 2017 | Linda May Han Oh | Walk Against Wind | Biophilia Records | |
| 2018 | Esperanza Spalding | 12 Little Spells | Concord | |
| 2019 | Terri Lyne Carrington & Social Science | The Waiting Game | Motéma | |
| 2021 | Esperanza Spalding | Songwrights Apothecary Lab | Concord | |
| 2022 | Terri Lyne Carrington | New Standards Vol 1 | Candid | |
| 2023 | Walter Smith III | Return to Casual | Blue Note |